The hit delinquent manga WIND BREAKER (official abbreviation: WinBure) is being adapted into a live-action film, scheduled for release in December by Warner Bros. Japan. A teaser video has also been unveiled. The film will be directed by Kentaro Hagiwara, known for works like Blue Period, with a screenplay by Yosuke Masaike, winner of the Japan Academy Prize for Best Screenplay for Anime Supremacy!

WIND BREAKER is a popular manga serialized since 2021 on Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket app. It follows Haruka Sakura, a transfer student aiming for the top at Furin High School—a place infamous for its low academic reputation but unmatched fighting prowess. Sakura joins the vigilante group "Boufuurin" to protect the town alongside his comrades.

Combining the unique premise of righteous delinquents safeguarding their community with charismatic characters and classic bad-boy storytelling, the series has become a fan favorite. It has sold over 8 million copies and won the “Recommended Comic Chosen by Bookstore Employees Nationwide 2022” award. The first season of its TV anime aired from April to June 2024, with a second season set for April to June 2025. The series has also been adapted into games and stage plays.

Filming for the live-action movie took place entirely on location in Okinawa from February to April 2025. The production team received full support from the local government and residents to recreate the iconic “Ton-pu Shopping District” where Boufuurin operates. Real shops were used and transformed into elaborate sets, complete with original signage, interiors, and an archway modeled after the manga's setting—resulting in a large-scale open set that fully captures the essence of the source material.

Producer Yoshitaka Kamo commented: “This project began with the desire to express the manga’s powerful message—that even the darkest struggles can be overcome with friends. The passionate friendships of Sakura and his team break through isolation and inner conflict. That message resonated deeply with us.”

Director Kentaro Hagiwara stated: “This film is a challenge to the so-called ‘delinquent movie’ genre, which might seem outdated. With a young, energetic cast, we questioned the norm, dismantled it, and rebuilt something new. That’s the spirit behind this project.”

The newly released key visual captures the backs of six Boufuurin members standing against a massive crowd from rival gang Shishigashira in the Ton-pu Shopping District. With swirling winds and flying leaves, it powerfully conveys the beginning of an epic battle. The teaser video features intense, fast-paced action scenes and ends with a striking back shot of Sakura charging toward his enemies—raising anticipation for the film’s release.

Teaser Trailer

Source : ORICON NEWS